For anyone that attended this game, I believe it was one of the hottest games in Houston history. With the astro-turf at Hall Stadium the temperature on the field climbed over 120 degrees at kickoff. The players felt the effects as well with many of them cramping up in the second half.
The heat was the only thing that could slow down La Porte's Darkside defense as they completely dominated the first half. The first play of the game after the opening kickoff La Porte's standout Sophomore OLB Hoza Scott leaped to block Clements' QB Clayton Holgorson's pass and instead caught the ball and walked into the end-zone. Outstanding display of athleticism from Scott, who will be fun to watch this season. It was one of three interceptions on the night for the Bulldogs with Junior CB Ellis Hutchinson and Junior RB/Safety Keith Whitely getting the others. The defense slowed down in the second half when they started cramping up allowing a 60 yard run to Clements RB Lawrenzo Minor. However the Bulldogs preserved the shutout in the fourth quarter on a 4th down goaline stand with Junior nosetackle Corey Lee blowing up the play in the backfield and chasing Minor to the sideline and out of bounds. Standouts on defense included Seniors Chad Sutherland, Cameron Whilley and Aaron Nance-Garrett. Also La Porte had very good coverage from the rotating cast in the secondary including Hutchinson and Junior CB Malik Graves. Also I have to mention Senior LB Chris Hickey as his special teams punt/kickoff coverage was outstanding and he did force a fumble with a big hit.
Side note: Clements' RB Lawrenzo Minor (16 carries 121 yards) was the first running back to gain over 100 yards on the Bulldogs since La Porte played Katy in the 2009 playoffs with Katy RB Will Jeffery gaining 113.
On offense the Bulldogs showed some promise with a lot of young players. Senior QB Josh Vidales and Sophomore QB Vic Holmes rotated throughout the game. With standout Junior Guard Tony Briones out this week the offensive line struggled a little bit with the size and strength of the Rangers defensive line. They fought hard nonetheless. At WR Nance-Garrett got behind the Clements secondary all night. He ended up with one touchdown on a nice throw from Vidales. They will be looking to connect more as the season progresses. Holmes' favorite target was Sophomore Receiver Taejon Wearen who caught 3 passes for 56 yards and looked very elusive in the open field. On the ground the Bulldogs used a multitude of running backs with Junior Keith Whitely showing his great natural running instincts on a few runs. Sophomore Jonathan Lewis also showed great speed and moves. Holmes and Vidales ran hard on their opportunities as well. The Bulldogs have the weapons to make some noise on offense and they will be ready for primetime when the district season rolls around.
La Porte's combination of defense and outstanding kicking game will be something to watch for. Clements continuously started drives inside their own 20 yard line due to the kick offs of Junior Eric Medina. This gives the defense a big advantage as the Bulldogs dominated the field position in the game. Medina also booted a 42 yard field goal with room to spare. Vidales is also a very good punter with good hangtime and this allows players like Hickey time to get down the field and make big plays.
La Porte's first home game is this week against Baytown Lee who are 1-0 after beating fellow 21-5A team Baytown Sterling 28-20.
Let me know what you think!
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